5 small rituals one can implement to help begin each day on the right foot:

1) Visualize what you want out of your day.

If you’re like me, you might not realize you’re basically winging it 90% of the time. I would wake up and let whatever email or metaphorical fire was burning brightest dictate what was highest priority. If we don’t connect with ourselves and articulate what kind of day we need to have, it is not only nearly impossible to tackle all the tasks that require our attention, but it also becomes really hard to find the extra time for self-care and connecting with family.

2) Practice being present and conscious of the moment.

You can do this through meditation or just while you’re making breakfast. The point is to observe yourself and take note of the tiny details around you. This practice helps me not only connect with myself but also find gratitude for all that I often take for granted.

3) Write morning pages.

Morning pages are essentially a long-form journal entry that consists of your stream of consciousness thoughts. There is no wrong way to do them and they are for your eyes only. I like this practice as a way to remove any lingering negativity around what could go wrong during the day by acknowledging the thought but not giving it the power to control the rest of my day.

4) Say affirmations.

Affirmations have been scientifically proven to work, especially for those working toward a focused future vision. Steer clear of this one if you’re currently arguing with yourself over whether or not these affirmations are true. For those with healthy self-esteem, affirmations can help set the day off on the right track, aligning your motivation with purpose and preparing you to face any challenges that might derail your progress.

5) Keep a photo log.

Taking a daily photo is another way to connect with the present moment before you begin your day. You can use an app or simply create an album in your phone to collect the image from each day. It could be a selfie or perhaps the view from the porch with your coffee. It doesn’t need to be perfect or edited in any way. It might be the easiest kind of diary to create that will also be enjoyable to revisit years later. After all, the small moments matter, too.